Blog / Job Seekers / The Rise of Automation: How it Cuts Both Time and Cost

The Rise of Automation: How it Cuts Both Time and Cost

by Modis
on April 11, 2012

Numerous companies have gotten on the band-wagon to reduce cost and improve production without compromising the quality of their products by using automated services. This is where IT and automation go hand in hand, though a common misconception is that automation involves machines on an assembly line.

Many modern IT professions revolve around the process of cutting costs for businesses via technology and, simultaneously, increasing the response times of the user while accessing any related software or hardware. The optimization of IT-related products and the utilization of various services to better communicate with customers as well as within the company is the key to success in an ever-changing market.

Photo Source:USACEpublicaffairs w/CCLicense

Field Services

The majority ofvendors and various other IT services are well known for their use of field service management (FSM). From cloud services to geolocation software to advanced scheduling and expedited message management, FSM can cut costs all around.

On average,companiesnoticed increased revenue by as much as 17.5%. User-friendly mobile computer systems; vehicle-mounted printers; GPS systems that can find better, more fuel-efficient routes for those in the field; and wireless networking are used by various vendors to cut costs and time spent in the field.

Health Care

Even companies such as MicrosoftandGE use IT automation to cut costs, prevent errors in treatment, and quickly yet effectively manage patients in the healthcare industry. Through a series of server-based systems and specialized software, hospitals are able to seamlessly communicate among the hospital, the lab, and off-campus radiologists.

A cloudnetworkingsystem allows the retrieval and transmission of data to insurance companies, a patient’s physician, the pharmacies, and the federal or state government as needed. By offering a simplified user interface and by constructing integrated systems through the hospital, IT technicians have effectively reduced time spent and the cost of healthcare processing.

Photo Source: raneko w/CC License

Server Monitors

Server monitors, such as PowerAdmin, have been a highly useful tool for growing or reasonably sized businesses. IT professionals are assigned to keep track of all changes on their assigned server, but what happens if there is far too much information to keep track of on an individual basis?

Server monitors have streamlined the process and created a network funnel to siphon all information from a large-scale network of servers to a single interface. Power Admin even offers a mobile tracking application to immediately tap into the network should something go awry.

Generally, when speaking of automation, many think of replacing human workers with robots. Much of the IT programming that powers the automation of machinery goes unnoticed, but that isn’t to say it isn’t appreciated. Modern programmablelogiccontrollers (PLCs) have replaced electromechanical relays for the utilization of the consolidated equipment and dozens of controllable devices through one system

IT technicians are able to install and operate PLC systems miles away from the actual site of operation. This provides a resourceful and easily readable system for companies that wish to solidify their operations while eliminating human errors.

Conclusion

As you can see, companies have a variety of options in the progressive and competitive field of automation. Ultimately, businesses are constantly changing the roles of their working force. Automation is a necessity for surviving the intricacies of the corporate world, regardless of the industry.